Emergency Alert System Test - Wed, November 9, 2011

Submitted by rinne on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 09:38

There will be a nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test this week on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. PST. The test will last a total time of 46-60 seconds with 30 seconds of audio. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested. The Federal and State government is handling the public information campaign for this test. Therefore this email is simply a courtesy message from your Lane County Office of Emergency Management. Please feel free to forward this email to your own distribution lists.

Please help us inform our local community that this event is only a test and not a real emergency alert and therefore they should not call 9-1-1 for more information. If your organization is contacted about the test here are a few talking points you may find helpful:

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

A national test will help the federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit their families, communities, and businesses. Anyone can visit www.Ready.gov or http://www.LaneCounty.org/prepare for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

In an effort to promote awareness of the upcoming test and mitigate public concern please consider posting the following information to your Facebook and Twitter accounts:

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11:00 am there will be an Emergency Alert System TEST. All TV, radio and satellite medias will be interrupted for about 30 seconds with tones and audio while the system is tested. Do not be alarmed and do not call 911, it is only a test.